Μανσά Μούσα was the ninth emperor of the Mali Empire, reigning from 1312 to 1337. He is best known for his immense wealth, which was largely derived from the abundant gold resources in his empire. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 showcased his riches, as he distributed gold generously along his journey, impacting economies in regions like Cairo. Under Mansa Musa's rule, the Mali Empire flourished culturally and economically. He promoted education and the arts, notably establishing the famous University of Timbuktu, which became a center of learning in the Islamic world. His reign is often regarded as a golden age for the Mali Empire.